Crispy bacon wraps a spicy jalapeno filled with rich cream cheese and cheddar blend. Every bite delivers a tantalizing mix of heat and savory flavors accentuated by garlic and onion spices. This low carb delight is perfect for game day snacking or a guilt free treat that satisfies both taste and indulgence.

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I really love this recipe for Keto Jalapeno Poppers made in my air fryer! I use 10-12 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded, and fill them with a rich mix of 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Adding 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper gives the filling a nice kick that really works well with the smoky flavor of 6-8 bacon slices wrapped around them. I’ve noticed that these poppers have a surprising nutritional value especially for those following a low carb or keto diet.

They are a great option when you want a hearty snack or even as an air fryer dinner meal. I recommend trying these out if you like your food both flavorful and healthy, and hey, they remind me of other awesome air fryer recipes I’ve made like chicken tenders and bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love this recipe because it gives me that perfect spicy kick from the jalapenos along with a smooth, creamy cheese filling that really melts in my mouth
2. I like that it’s super easy to make in the air fryer, so I dont have to spend hours in the kitchen and can get my snack fix quickly
3. I enjoy the way the bacon wraps around each popper giving it a crispy, yummy texture and rich flavor that makes the dish extra satisfying
4. I appreciate that its low carb and keto friendly, which fits perfectly with my healthy eating goals without falling for bland food
5. I really dig the flavor explosion from mixing the sharp cheddar with the cream cheese, making every bite exciting and memorable

Ingredients

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Jalapeno peppers: Fresh, spicy peppers with vitamin C and fibre.
They offer a fiery bite.
Cream cheese: Rich and smooth dairy, with fats keeping you full while taming relentless spice.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheese providing protein and calcium, enhancing flavor and binding ingredients with a kick.
Bacon: Savory, crispy bacon that adds smoky flavor and extra protein while appealing to taste buds.
Garlic powder: Ground garlic giving a subtle aromatic flavor boost and a healthy dose of natural antioxidants.
Onion powder: Dried, minced onions turn into powder, adding a mild sweetness and digestive benefits.
Salt: Essential seasoning sparking flavor balance.
It elevates every ingredient while moderating sweetness.
Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adding a sharp edge and subtle heat, rounding out the taste.

Ingredient Quantities

10-12 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

6 to 8 slices of bacon, cut in half for wrapping

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F so it’s ready for the poppers.

2. Cut each jalapeno in half and scoop out the seeds, then set them aside.

3. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until it looks smooth.

4. Stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, making sure they are filled nicely.

5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a half slice of bacon, tucking the ends if you can.

6. Arrange the wrapped poppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket so they cook evenly.

7. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes and flip them halfway through so the bacon gets crispy on all sides.

8. Once done, take out the poppers, let them cool for a bit, and enjoy your tasty Keto Jalapeno Poppers!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (make sure it reaches 375°F before you start)
2. Sharp knife (for cutting the jalapenos in half)
3. Cutting board (to safely work on the peppers and bacon)
4. Mixing bowl (to blend the cream cheese, cheddar, and spices)
5. Measuring spoons (for garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
6. Spoon or spatula (to mix the cheese mixture evenly)
7. Tongs (to flip the poppers during cooking)

FAQ

Q: Can these be made ahead of time?

A: You can prep the jalapenos and mix the cheeses before, but its best to wrap them with bacon right before baking cause the bacon can get soggy if left too long.

Q: Are these really keto friendly?

A: Yep, this recipe is totally keto cuz its low in carbs and high in fats which fits perfectly in your keto plan.

Q: What if im not a fan of cheddar?

A: No problem. You can try using mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste, but cheddar gives it that classic popper flavor.

Q: How do i know when they are done?

A: The bacon should be crispy and the cheese melted. Usually baking at 350°F for about 20 minutes should work well, but keep an eye on them so they dont burn.

Q: Can i adjust the spices like garlic and onion powder?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add a little more or less to suit your taste. Everyone's taste buds are kinda diffrent so just tweak it to your liking.

Keto Jalapeno Poppers! Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use goat cheese for a tangy twist
If cheddar isn’t available, try Monterey jack cheese since it melts well too
For the bacon, turkey bacon works nicely if you’re going for a leaner option
Instead of garlic powder, a small amount of freshly minced garlic can be used
If you’re missing onion powder, dried minced onions could work as a substitute

Pro Tips

1. Try to keep your air fryer basket arranged in a single layer so that each popper cooks evenly, because if they’re piled up you might end up with some soggy bacon and not all of them will be as crispy as you’d like.

2. Make sure your cream cheese is really softened before mixing with the cheddar, so it blends smooth and doesn’t make the filling too chunky, which can sometimes happen if it’s even a little too cold.

3. You might wanna secure the bacon a bit by pressing it gently around the pepper. Sometimes it can unwrap a bit during cooking if you don’t tuck or pin it in place.

4. Let the poppers cool for a couple of minutes after air frying, they continue cooking a tad while cooling down and it prevents you from burning your tongue, plus they firm up a bit easier that way.